Szoboszlai Reveals Liverpool’s Secret FA Cup Strategy as Slot’s Shocking Mistake Sparks Controversy

Liverpool’s recent clash with Barnsley in the FA Cup’s third round was anything but routine. Dominik Szoboszlai, whose performance swung between brilliance and baffling, insists the Reds are beyond mere participation—they’re here to compete fiercely for this historic trophy. After a stunning 4-1 win at Anfield, secured not just by Szoboszlai’s jaw-dropping opener but also the efforts of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool confirmed they’re taking the FA Cup seriously this season. The victory, though comprehensive, came with its share of drama—Szoboszlai’s unusual backheel gaffe allowed Barnsley a lifeline, stirring debate and disappointment alike. Yet, what shines through is a squad eager to prove its depth and resilience, especially under the watchful eye of manager Arne Slot. As the Reds gear up for a fourth-round showdown against Brighton, one thing’s clear: this mix of new talent and seasoned campaigners is carving its own unique path in the quest for silverware. LEARN MORE

Dominik Szoboszlai says Liverpool were determined to show they were taking the FA Cup seriously this season after beating Barnsley 4-1 in the third round at Anfield.

The Reds overcame an inspired Barnsley performance to eventually secure a comprehensive scoreline with Szoboszlai on target with a wonder goal to open the scoring, before his bizarre mistake allowed the Tykes back into the game in the first half.

Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike were also on target as Arne Slot’s men booked a tie against Brighton in the fourth round, which will also be played on home soil.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Szoboszlai said: “We wanted to show that we take the FA Cup seriously. We always take it seriously.

“We showed again today we need the whole squad.

“The new guys came in, who didn’t play as much as the others, and they showed lots of quality. We need everyone.”

Szoboszlai ‘sorry’ for mistake

It wasn’t all positive for Szoboszlai on the night, with the Hungarian’s bizarre backheel error putting it on a plate for Adam Phillips to get Barnsley back in the game and make it 2-1 before half-time.

“Sorry to the team again”, he added.

“I made it hard for us. It was an easy mistake, I would say. Football happens and we move on.”

The FA Cup may be Liverpool’s best chance of silverware this season with the side currently well off the pace in the Premier League and Szoboszlai says that while the new-look side is still a work in progress, he is encouraged by what he has seen in recent weeks.

“I think we need a little bit more time to get to know each other better. From the summer on I think we have developed a lot.

“All the new guys have settled well, I think. I’m happy for Florian and Hugo and for all the guys.”

Slot: We should have killed the game earlier

Manager Slot praised the quality of Liverpool’s goals but insisted his side should have been much more comfortable in the game.

He said “I was happy with the goals we scored, they were nice goals but I think it was far too long a game that was tight because at 2-0 up, then giving a goal away like that made it difficult till in the last 5-10 minutes before the end.

“It was difficult in the sense of one another, one bad moment, and it could have been 2-2. So good goals, but again, not enough chances from all the ball possession.”

Slot: Szoboszlai mistake a ‘weird choice’

Slot also expressed his disappointment with Szoboszlai’s decision to backheel the ball which led to Barnsley’s goal, which opposing manager Conor Hourihane labelled “disrespectful”.

“I don’t think you should do that in a FA Cup game or a league of game or in a friendly game or in a training session,” the Reds boss said.

“So it’s a weird choice, and I also have my opinion about it, but I prefer to keep that to myself and speak about that with with Dom privately.”